Jennifer Lopez is fully on board with Bad Bunny’s upcoming Super Bowl halftime show, calling it a well-deserved milestone for one of the world’s biggest stars. Speaking Monday morning (Oct. 6) on NBC’s Today Show to promote her upcoming musical film Kiss of the Spider Woman, Lopez couldn’t hide her excitement about the Puerto Rican artist’s 2026 Super Bowl 60 performance.

“I think he’s about to blow everybody’s minds,” Lopez said with a smile. “He’s one of the top artists in the world right now, probably the top. I’m super excited for people who don’t know him yet to see what he’s capable of.”

Lopez knows firsthand what it means to command one of the world’s biggest stages. She co-headlined the 2020 Super Bowl halftime show alongside Shakira at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, a high-energy celebration of Latin culture that remains one of the most talked-about performances in the NFL’s history. That same year, Bad Bunny appeared as a surprise guest during the show, joining the duo for a vibrant medley that fused reggaeton, pop, and salsa.

Recalling the experience, Lopez described it as “an amazing time” and “a cultural moment” that she remains proud of. Now, she sees Bad Bunny’s upcoming headliner slot as an evolution of that legacy. “It’s incredible to see how far Latin music has come, and to see him, a Puerto Rican artist, take that stage solo, it’s really special,” she said.

When asked about backlash from certain conservative commentators who have criticized the NFL’s choice to spotlight a Latin headliner, Lopez expressed confusion and disappointment. Reports surfaced that some right-wing voices, including figures tied to the Trump administration, had even floated threats of immigration enforcement at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, where the event will be held.

“I swear I don’t know why,” Lopez responded. “Why? I don’t understand that. He’s one of the top artists in the world right now. His music transcends language, it’s amazing what he’s done.” She dismissed any notion that cultural diversity on such a stage should be controversial. “Music is supposed to bring people together,” she said. “That’s what he does.”

The Today Show appearance wasn’t just about music. Lopez was there to promote her upcoming movie musical Kiss of the Spider Woman, marking her first major film role since Shotgun Wedding (2023) and her first time leading a full-scale movie musical.

“This is like a dream come true,” she told host Craig Melvin. “I get to sing, I get to dance, I get to play a Hollywood movie star. There was so much about it that checked the boxes from my childhood dreams.”

The film, inspired by Manuel Puig’s novel and the 1985 Oscar-winning adaptation, tells a story about love, fantasy, and resilience, themes Lopez says resonate deeply with her at this stage of her life.

Melvin drew a knowing laugh when he noted that Lopez filmed the movie during her divorce from actor-director Ben Affleck, who also happens to be one of the film’s executive producers. Lopez didn’t shy away from the topic, acknowledging the personal context with grace. “If it wasn’t for Ben, the movie would not have gotten made,” she said.

“Things happen, and you have to keep going,” she added. “The movie is about escapism, about how movies and art save us in the hardest times of our lives. Doing this project was such a dream come true for me, and it really helped me survive a moment that was difficult personally.”

While Lopez continues promoting Kiss of the Spider Woman, her support for Bad Bunny’s halftime show underscores a shared pride in the global rise of Latin artists. “I’m excited to see what he does,” she said. “He puts on a great show. He’s a great entertainer.”